Ma. Cristina Falls: A Dream Fulfilled!

Finally seeing this great twin waterfalls right in front of me brings back my elementary years. I believe it was during my 3rd grade when our teacher taught us Banaue Rice Terraces, Hundred Islands, Barasoain Church, Rizal Park, Mayon Volcano, Chocolate Hills, San Juanico Bridge, Lake Sebu and this famed waterfalls- Ma.Cristina.

Ma. Cristina Falls: The Great Twin Falls

I didn’t know that those years were to be a foundation in my love for traveling. I must admit, all I can do those days was to daydream that someday I will be seeing these places for real (and not only on textbooks). I was telling myself that memorizing these tourist spots by name and location is futile without really seeing it, being awed by their beauty. All I can do was hope…

Until after ten years, I started ticking off these places, one by one. I found myself walking beside the paddies of Batad Rice Terraces; swimming from island-to-island in Alaminos (Hundred Islands); cam-whoring in Barasoain Church, taking post-card shots from Carmen with the Chocolate Hills on the background, traveling from Leyte to Samar via San Juanico bridge and…

Awestruck, I tweeted: “Amazed at the great twin falls- greetings from Ma.Cristina falls! The current is powerful, very powerful. Parang ang sarap tumalon!“

IT WAS A DREAM FULFILLED! Surreal as it maybe but the feeling was really indescribable. The sound of the cascading waters are so powerful all you can say is “WOW.”

I was quiet for a moment, trying to internalize the reality that I was here in front of the illustrious Ma.Cristina Falls. I was trying to think who among my classmates back then has seen this too. I’m just proud of myself having challenged all odds- budget not an alibi to see this forceful creation.

I was with a group of friends originally from Manila but have seen greener grounds in Iligan City, they volunteered to come with me and tour the City of Waterfalls. Props to you guys! Until I visit waterfalls-filled city again…

journeyingjames with Faith, Angeli, Patrick & Len

Thank you so much for a wonderful stay in Iligan City. See yah, say my regards to Tito Cesar.

Next post is about am underrated falls, very near Ma.Cristina, hidden and delightful to all senses…

How to go to Ma.Cristina Falls:

From CDO:
Go to Bulua Terminal (westbound buses), take the buses going to Iligan (Fare: Php 100.00)
Get off Iligan City, take the jeepney going to the public market (Php 7.00).
From the public market, take the jeepney going to Buru-un (Php 11.00) and tell the driver you are going to Ma.Cristina falls.
From the highway, walk towards NPC, about 3 minutes walk to the gate entrance of Ma.Cristina Falls.

Entrance & shuttle service fee: Php 40.00

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NORTHERN MINDANAO ESCAPADE.This post is part of a series born out of my adventures in Region X last January 19-25, 2011. I also challenged myself to live within Php500 or less/day budget (food, transportation, accommodation, etc.) as I am preparing for my “The Cheapest 100 Days of Backpacking around the Philippines.”

Reading good stuffs about my hometown makes me feel happy. Some people say Iligan is a dangerous place because of the bombings. It’s not always like that. In most days, it’s peaceful here.I’m glad you liked Ma. Christina and Tinago,Sir. It is also called The City of Waterfalls :)I think the place have more or less 20 waterfalls.

the first time i went to northern mindanao in 2011, i missed iligan city due to lack of time…so when i returned there in 2012, i really made it a point to include seeing ma. cristina falls. and just like you, i was awestruck. it was a surreal experience. we also did not miss tinago falls…but you should have tried eating their famous lechon (walang sinabi ang lechon ng cebu-pramis!).

Hi! I find your blog very helpful. Me and my boyfriend are going to CDO on July 5,6 and 7, 2014. Is it possible we can visit 3 provinces (CDO, Iligan and Bukidnon) in 3 days and 2 nights? We’ll be leaving Manila at the earliest flight and will go back at 3:00pm on July 7. My planned itinerary is:

1.CDO white water rafting (1st day morning)
2.Maria Cristina Falls and Tinago Falls (1st day afternoon)
3.Bukidnon(2nd day morning until afternoon)
4.CDO again

Please advise us if this is possible and we’ll gladly appreciate your suggestions.